SINGAPORE - The Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) on Thursday released its election manifesto, the first party to do so in the lead-up to the next general election, widely expected to be held next month.

Presenting its 2,000-word manifesto, the party said on its website that it is aimed at building a 'Singapore for Singaporeans'.

Among other things, its manifesto tackles issues such as the 2013 Population White Paper, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) minimum sum, as well as the party's stand on housing, healthcare, public transport, education and employment.

Key planks the party wants to champion include more incentives and schemes for mothers-to-be. "We need to breed and grow our own people, and not to "import" as this may translate to conflicting values and beliefs; that instead of integrating into our culture, we lose our Singapore identity," it said.

The SDA also wants to repeal the CPF minimum sum, and said it will fight for CPF monies to be withdrawn by those who want to do so.

"It is our money, our pension, our annuity - set aside for retirement's purpose. As such, the monies should be managed by us and not compulsorily by anyone else, government or otherwise," said the manifesto.

"We will fight for optional schemes - those who wish to withdraw may do so, and those who do not withdraw all may choose (only if they want to) to continue leaving their monies with the CPF Board to continue investing in higher-interest generating tools.

"However, the sum of monies should be accessible anytime by the CPF owners when they need (them)."

SDA chief Desmond Lim came out as the worst loser in the three-cornered fight at the last polls in Punggol East, involving the SDA, People's Action Party and Workers' Party.

Mr Lim, who lost his deposit in that contest, will lead a team in Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC in the coming general election.

The Straits Times

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